VICTORIA โ Unions will be leaders in tackling the affordability crisis. That was the message from the head of Canadaโs house of labour, Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske, in her address to the CUPE BC convention Friday afternoon.
โWorkers are demanding better; they are not satisfied with the status quo. And they are turning to unions to get better,โ Bruske said, adding that organizing will be a key topic at the upcoming CLC convention. โAs the labour movement, we have to seize this moment. We have to work so all workers can have the benefits of having a union card in their pocket.โ
Bruske praised CUPE BCโs work in mobilizing members, holding it up as an example for other unions. โYouโre working so hard in politically engaging your members. Iโm excited to see what CUPE BC will continue to do to keep your members involved.โ
Bruske highlighted many of the recent advances Canadaโs unions have helped bring about through political advocacy, working with the Federal NDP. She pointed to promised federal anti-scab legislation, national action on affordable childcare, and new legislation that prioritizes workers over creditors as achievements all CLC affiliated unions played a role in โ including CUPE.
Closer to home for CUPE BC delegates, Bruske assured continued support for striking Fraser Valley transit workers.
โFair wages and fair working conditions should be the bare minimum. Be assured 3 million workers represented by the CLC affiliated unions stand with CUPE 561 and their fight for a fair deal,โ she said.
